Barkbelly
#1 in Barkbelly Series
on Goodreads (226)
What’s inside...
One silver-starry night, a shiny, wooden egg falls from a flying machine high in the air, descending through the midnight sky to the small village of Pumbleditch, where Barkbelly is born as the only wooden boy. After causing a tragic accident, Barkbelly must flee for his life. As he tries to escape his haunting past, he faces extraordinary adventures and dangers, leading him toward the dark and startling truth about his origins and the burning question of where he truly belongs. Cat Weatherill’s imaginative storytelling creates a magical world and a wooden boy who captures readers' hearts.
Character compass
Barkbelly
Joe Smith
Ebony Smith
Discussion points
What do you think made Barkbelly embark on his journey and what did he hope to find?
How do Barkbelly’s experiences with different communities change his understanding of friendship and belonging?
Why is it important for Barkbelly to learn about his past and how does this knowledge impact his identity?
In what ways do the characters in the story help or hinder Barkbelly on his adventure?
If you were Barkbelly, what would you have done differently in any of the situations he encountered?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on Barkbelly's journey and his quest for identity to create an open, sharing environment.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they would feel or react in Barkbelly's situations, linking the story to their own experiences.
Discuss the diversity of characters and settings in 'Barkbelly'. Ask your child about the importance of accepting and celebrating differences in our communities.
Utilize the adventures that Barkbelly goes through to talk about the values of courage and honesty, asking your child why these traits might be important.
After discussing each question, reinforce the ideas from the book by connecting them to real-life scenarios, making the book's themes more relatable and understandable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of oneself
Explanation: In 'Barkbelly', the protagonist, a wooden boy, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, struggling with his identity and place in the world. As he faces various challenges, he learns the importance of embracing who he is.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to accept and value their unique qualities, teaching them to be proud of who they are, regardless of how they differ from others. This can foster self-esteem and encourage them to share their individuality with others.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one’s actions
Explanation: Throughout the story, Barkbelly learns about the consequences of his actions and the importance of taking responsibility for them. This is particularly evident when he understands how his actions affect others around him.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of considering the effects of their actions on others and the value of accepting responsibility. This can help them develop into mindful, respectful individuals in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing challenges
Explanation: Barkbelly faces numerous adversities and dangers on his journey. His courage in tackling these obstacles head-on is a central theme of the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own challenges with bravery, whether it’s dealing with a new school, standing up to a bully, or trying out for a sports team.
Example Lesson: The power of kindness and friendship
Explanation: As Barkbelly travels, he meets various characters who help him along the way, highlighting the themes of kindness and the value of friendship.
Real-World Application: The story can serve as a beautiful reminder for children about the importance of being kind to others and building meaningful relationships, which are essential for both personal growth and community harmony.